Describes the methodology and findings of a study that examined the reasons that people use academic libraries and the relationship between library use, library instruction, and user success. The conclusions identify library services and physical facilities that may increase user satisfaction. (Author/CLB)

This packet of materials includes an article, "Development of a Self-Guided Audiocassette Tour at a Large Academic Research Library: Preliminary Report," which originally appeared in the Summer 1986 issue of "Research Strategies," and the scripts for self-guided audiocassette tours of the main and undergraduate libraries at the…

Guidelines for developing effective research assignments were distributed to University of Colorado, Boulder, teaching assistants and faculty by the Instructional Services Librarian. Suggestions concerning what to do (i.e., clarify research objectives, schedule library presentation) and what not to do (i.e., limit research to particular index or…

Eighteen journal articles and monographs on learning theory and its possible applications to library instruction are listed and annotated. Most of the materials were published within the last 10 years, although some earlier titles that are considered basic are included. (EM)

Teaching how to choose a research topic in a bibliographic instruction class should emphasize the underlying methods and principles of library research while making research tools as unobtrusive as possible. This approach teaches the basics of scientific inquiry and provides a structure in which to teach library skills. (EM)

This case study chronicles the rise and fall of a typical academic library program of bibliographic instruction. Accompanying commentary examines the case from marketing point of view and suggests procedures that academic libraries could implement to develop services which would result in a higher degree of user satisfaction. (17 references) (EJS)

A library skills program for freshman composition students was redesigned to correct problems caused by a lack of uniformly accepted methods of implementation. Changes made included a revised workbook, streamlined class sessions, enforcement of due dates for exercises, and improved communication with faculty. Three references are listed. (MES)

Presents two essays on library instruction for incoming freshmen. The first advocates teaching general principles rather than specific applications in order to prepare students for subsequent, more narrowly focused bibliographic instruction; the second addresses the importance of librarians becoming involved with campus orientation tour guide…

Reports on college freshman research unit in biography that suits writing level of students and incorporates library research as integral part of course. The freshman research paper unit, advantages of biography as topic, freshman library instruction program, and strengths of biography research are covered. Useful topics and worksheets are…

Introductory biology students at a major university completed a field project which taught them investigative skills in scientific research, including the scientific method and substantiation of their results through use of periodical literature. Librarians became actively involved by providing library instruction as part of the project. Sample…

Examines the reasons why "more" subject access in online catalogs is not necessarily "better" and recommends that librarians prepare a statement informing users of what they need to know before using the catalog and how best to make use of its listing. (EM)

Presents a model for teaching interdisciplinary research skills that can be applied to any two or more humanities or social science disciplines. Highlights include the definition and organization of the discipline, organization or printed reference tools, user definition of information needs, classification systems and subject headings, and online…

The standardized narrative for group orientation tours of a large university library was rewritten as audiocassette script for self-guided tours. Assessment of the audiotaped tour after one semester of use indicated that user reactions were positive and that it reduced the amount of staff time needed for orientation. (EM)

Discusses management of two interdependent domains of inner behavior in the micro-information environment: voluntary or affective skills and intellectual or cognitive skills. Examples are given under six principles for boosting motivational level of user of information services: affective knowing, social facilitation, affective Zeigarnik effect,…

Describes a course aimed at developing library self-reliance in students that was offered through a predominantly Black outreach program at Evergreen State College. Highlights include the classroom environment and course content, which were constructed collaboratively by students and librarians, and guidelines for similar courses. (CLB)